JP2007058316A - Printing system-controlling method, information processing device, information terminal, and controlling programs thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system which restrains the use of devices and prevents a user from wasting time due to the user's transmission of job information which is not permitted to the user. <P>SOLUTION: In the printing system, when a print driver is started in an information processing terminal 200, the information processing terminal 200 transmits version information on the print driver and printing-related constraint information, which are stored in a storage part 220 for a user currently logging in, to a server device 100 before it transmits information necessary for printing files (job information). When the received version information and constraint information are the same as those stored in a storage part 120 for the user, the sever device 100 receives the transmission of the job information from the information processing terminal 200 and makes an image-processing device 300 execute printing based on the job information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, and more particularly to control of a printing system including an information terminal and an information processing apparatus that causes a printer to perform printing based on the job information in response to receiving transmission of job information from the information terminal. The present invention relates to a method, an information processing apparatus, an information terminal, and a control program thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been disclosed a technique for providing use restrictions on device functions for each user in a printing system.

For example, in Patent Document 1, in a printing system, a server computer refers to a database, and based on print contents and user information included in a print request for a printer apparatus, permission / non-permission of printing in the printer apparatus for a print request is disclosed. Techniques for determining are disclosed.
JP-A-10-161823

  However, in the conventional printing system as described above, when the user selects a function of the device and transmits job information (print job) to the printing apparatus, a situation in which disapproval is determined after transmission may occur. In such a situation, there is a problem that transmission of job information by the user is useless.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to limit the use of a device in a printing system and to save time by transmitting job information that is rejected as a result of the user. It is to avoid wasting.

  The printing system control method according to the present invention includes a printer, an information terminal that stores driver identification information that is information for identifying a driver that creates job information for operating the printer, and the information terminal. A control method for a printing system including: receiving job information to be transmitted; and an information processing apparatus for causing the printer to perform a printing operation based on the received job information, wherein the information terminal Transmitting the driver identification information prior to transmitting the information, determining whether the driver identification information received from the information terminal is appropriate by the information processing apparatus, and the information terminal However, after receiving the result that the transmitted driver identification information is determined to be appropriate, the information is sent to the information processing apparatus. Characterized in that it comprises the step of transmitting the information.

  The printing system control method according to the present invention further includes a step in which the information processing apparatus stores driver identification information, and whether or not the driver identification information received from the information terminal is appropriate. In the step of determining, it is preferable that the information processing apparatus determines whether or not the driver identification information received from the information terminal matches the driver identification information stored in the information processing apparatus.

  The printing system control method according to the present invention includes a step in which the information processing apparatus stores a restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information, and the information processing apparatus receives the information received from the information terminal. When determining that the driver identification information is not appropriate, further transmitting to the information terminal the appropriate driver identification information and the restriction content stored in association with the appropriate driver identification information. It is preferable to include.

  The printing system control method according to the present invention further includes a step in which the information processing apparatus stores the driver identification information in association with user information, and the driver identification information received from the information terminal is appropriate. In the step of determining whether or not the information is, the information processing apparatus stores, in the information processing apparatus, the driver identification information received from the information terminal in association with the user information of the user who transmitted the information. It is preferable to determine whether or not.

  The printing system control method according to the present invention includes: a step in which the information processing apparatus stores a restriction content relating to printing in association with the driver identification information; and a step in which the information terminal stores the restriction content. The information terminal transmits the restriction content together with the driver identification information, and the information processing apparatus transmits user information transmitted from the information terminal by the driver identification information received from the information terminal. When it is determined that the stored driver identification information is not stored, the stored content is stored so that the received user identification information can be associated with the user information that has been transmitted to the driver identification information and the limited content that has been transmitted with the user information. And updating.

  In the printing system control method according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus stores the driver identification information in association with the restriction content related to printing, and the information terminal stores the restriction content. A step in which the information terminal transmits the restriction content together with the driver identification information; and the information processing apparatus has transmitted the driver identification information received from the information terminal in the information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the restriction content received from the information terminal is not stored in association with the driver identification information transmitted together with it when it is determined that the information is stored in association with the user information Is stored in the information terminal in association with the driver identification information received from the information terminal. It may further include the step of transmitting the contents.

  In the printing system control method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the printing system includes an image forming apparatus including the information processing apparatus and the printer.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is connected to an information terminal that stores driver identification information that is information for identifying a printer and a driver that creates job information for operating the printer, and is transmitted from the information terminal. An information processing apparatus that causes the printer to perform a printing operation based on received job information and the received job information, wherein the driver identification information transmitted by the information terminal prior to transmission of the job information is appropriate A determination unit that determines whether the information is a driver, and a permission notification unit that grants the information terminal permission to issue a job on condition that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is determined to be appropriate. It is characterized by including.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores the driver identification information, and the print control includes a driver identification in which the driver identification information received from the information terminal is stored in the storage unit. It is preferable to determine whether or not the driver identification information is appropriate based on whether or not it matches the information.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the storage unit stores a restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information, and the determination unit receives the driver identification information received from the information terminal as appropriate. It is preferable that the information terminal further includes a first transmission unit that transmits the appropriate driver identification information and the restriction contents stored in association with the appropriate driver identification information when the information terminal is determined not to be one. .

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the storage unit stores user information in association with the driver identification information, and the determination unit receives the driver identification information received from the information terminal in the storage unit. It is preferable to determine whether or not it is stored in association with the user information of the user who has transmitted it.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the storage unit stores the restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information, and the determination unit receives the driver identification received from the information terminal in the storage unit When it is determined that the information is not stored in association with the user information that has transmitted the information, the received driver identification information includes the user information that has transmitted the information and the restriction content that has been transmitted together with the user information. It is preferable to update the storage contents of the storage unit so that the

  Moreover, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the storage unit stores a restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information, and the determination unit further receives the information from the information terminal in the storage unit It is determined whether or not the driver identification information and the restriction content transmitted along with the driver identification information are stored in association with each other, and the determination unit transmits the driver identification information received from the information terminal in the storage unit. It is determined that the restriction content received from the information terminal is not stored in association with the driver identification information transmitted together with the restriction information received from the information terminal. If it is determined, the storage unit stores the information in association with the driver identification information received from the information terminal. Preferably further comprising a second transmission unit which transmits the contents of limitation have.

  An information terminal according to the present invention is an information terminal that transmits the job information to an information processing apparatus in order to cause the printer to execute printing based on the job information, and creates job information for operating the printer A storage unit that stores driver identification information that is information for identifying a driver to perform, and a transmission unit that transmits the driver identification information stored in the storage unit to the information processing device prior to transmission of job information; A receiving unit that receives a notification from the information processing device that the driver identification information transmitted by the transmitting unit is appropriate, and a job to the information processing device after the receiving unit receives the notification. And a job transmission unit for transmitting information.

  In the information terminal according to the present invention, the storage unit further stores user information that is information for identifying a user, and the transmission unit transmits the user information together with the driver identification information to the information processing apparatus. It is preferable to do.

  Further, in the information terminal according to the present invention, the storage unit further stores the restriction content related to printing, and is stored in the storage unit and a reception unit that receives the restriction content transmitted from the information processing apparatus. It is preferable to further include an update unit that updates the restriction content to the restriction content received by the reception unit.

  A control program for an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is connected to an information terminal that stores driver identification information that is information for identifying a printer and a driver that creates job information for operating the printer, and the information An information processing apparatus control program for accepting job information transmitted from a terminal and causing the printer to perform a printing operation based on the accepted job information, wherein the information terminal transmits the job information prior to transmission of the job information. And determining whether or not the driver identification information transmitted is appropriate, and on the condition that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is determined to be appropriate. And a step of granting permission to issue a job.

  An information terminal control program according to the present invention is an information terminal control program for transmitting the job information to an information processing apparatus in order to cause a printer to execute printing based on job information. Storing driver identification information, which is information for identifying a driver that creates job information for operating the printer, and transmitting the driver identification information to the information processing apparatus prior to transmission of the job information. Receiving a notification from the information processing apparatus that the transmitted driver identification information is appropriate; and transmitting job information to the information processing apparatus after receiving the notification; Is executed.

  According to the present invention, the driver identification information stored in the information terminal is transmitted from the information terminal to the information processing apparatus prior to transmission of the job information. Then, the information processing apparatus causes the printer to execute a printing operation based on the job information on the condition that the driver identification information is determined to be appropriate.

  That is, according to the present invention, whether or not a printing operation based on job information is possible is determined prior to transmission of job information from the information terminal to the information processing apparatus.

  This avoids a situation where the user wastes time by transmitting job information that is not permitted as a result.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention.
The printing system includes one server apparatus 100, a plurality of information terminals 200, and an image forming apparatus 300. These devices are connected by a bus 400. Server apparatus (information processing apparatus) 100 and image forming apparatus 300 include storage devices 120 and 320, respectively. The number of devices shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the number of devices in the printing system according to the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the server apparatus 100.
Referring to FIG. 2, server apparatus 100 stores a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that controls the entire apparatus, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 that temporarily stores data, a program, a constant, and the like. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a display 107 for displaying information, an input device 109 for receiving input of information from the outside, a communication device 111 for performing information communication with other devices via the bus 400, A media drive 113 that writes and reads information to and from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) and a storage unit 120 that stores various types of information are included. The display 107 and the input device 109 can be configured by a liquid crystal display and a touch panel placed thereon.

  The storage unit 120 includes an application storage unit 121 that stores application programs executed by the CPU 101, a data storage unit 123 that stores various data such as data used for applications, and a source that causes the image forming apparatus 300 to execute printing. A file storage unit 123 that stores job information that is information to be included is included.

  Examples of application programs stored in the application storage unit 121 include a program for processing described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, and a program for transmitting job information stored in the file storage unit 127 to the image forming apparatus 300. There is.

  Table 1 shows an example of print information stored in the data storage unit 123.

  The print information includes password information of a print driver (a program for creating job information for operating a printer such as the image forming apparatus 300) assigned to each user in the printing system. Specifically, Table 1 includes password information, which is information for identifying each of the three types of customized print drivers v1.00-custom1, v1.00-custom2, and v1.00-custom3, and “standard” Password information that is information indicating the version of the standard print driver, “restriction information” is included.

  The print information includes a user identification number that is information for identifying each user. Specifically, four types of user identification numbers, Administrator, User_A, User_B, and User_C, are associated with the above-described v1.00-custom1, v1.00-custom2, and v1.00-custom3, respectively. This means that v1.00-custom1 version of the print driver is permitted for users with Administrator as user identification number, and v1 for users with User_A and User_C as user identification numbers. This means that a print driver of version .00-custom2 is permitted, and a v1.00-custom3 version of print driver is permitted for a user assigned User_B as a user identification number. In Table 1, the fact that the user identification number is not associated with “standard restriction information” means that the standard print driver version “standard restriction information” is a version permitted for users other than the above. Means that.

  The print information includes information (restriction information) related to restrictions on print settings in association with each password information.

  Specifically, the restriction information includes information regarding the number of copies, output paper size, duplex printing, paper type, aggregation, color / monochrome, resolution, toner save, paper feed tray, and paper discharge tray.

  “1” in the number of copies column means that the corresponding version can only specify “1” for the number of print copies. If “no limit” is described, it means that there is no limit to the designation of the number of copies in the corresponding version.

  “A4 / B5” written in the output paper size column means that in the corresponding version, the size of the output paper that can be specified is A4 or B5.

  “Valid” in the double-sided printing column means that double-sided printing can be specified with the corresponding version.

  In the paper type column, “plain paper, OHP (overhead projector sheet)” is described. In the corresponding version, the paper to be output can be designated as plain paper or overhead. This means that it is a projector sheet.

  The reason why “2 in 1” is described in the column of aggregation is that, in the corresponding version, the output of the job is limited to one in which two pages of originals are aggregated and printed on one output sheet. I mean. It should be noted that “no restriction” is described in the corresponding version in which the above two pages of the original can be combined and printed, or the original can be printed one page at a time. This means that it can be printed on output paper.

  “Monochrome” written in the color / monochrome column means that in the corresponding version, the job output is limited to monochrome and color output is not possible.

  “300 dpi, 600 dpi” written in the resolution column means that 300 or 600 dpi can be selected as the resolution of the output image in the corresponding version.

  The description “valid” in the toner save column means that the corresponding version always has the toner save function enabled. The toner save function is a function that saves toner consumption by making the image slightly thinner when test printing or a high-quality image is not required. In addition, “no restriction” is described in the corresponding version means that the toner saving function can be enabled or disabled.

  In the column of the paper feed tray and paper discharge tray, information on designation of a tray to be fed or discharged in the image forming apparatus 300 is written in a corresponding version. When “no restriction” is described, the corresponding version means that the user can freely specify a tray to be fed or discharged.

  In the file storage unit 123, job information transmitted from the information terminal 200 is stored in association with information (for example, the above-described user identification number) that identifies the user who performed the transmission process.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the information terminal 200.
Referring to FIG. 3, an information terminal 200 includes a CPU 201 that controls the entire apparatus, a RAM 203 that temporarily stores data, a ROM 205 that stores programs and constants, a display 207 that displays information, an external device An input device 209 that accepts input of information from the communication device 211, a communication device 211 for performing information communication with other devices via the bus 400, and a medium for writing and reading information to and from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM The drive 213 and the memory | storage part 220 which memorize | stores various information are included. The display 207 and the input device 209 can also be configured by a liquid crystal display and a touch panel placed thereon.

  The storage unit 220 stores an application storage unit 221 that stores an application program executed by the CPU 201, and a printer driver that stores a program (print driver) that creates job information for causing the image forming apparatus 300 to perform printing based on job information. It includes a storage unit 222, a data storage unit 223 that stores various data such as data used for applications, and a file storage unit 224 that stores job information.

  Examples of the application program stored in the application storage unit 121 include a program for creating a document.

  The print driver stored in the printer driver storage unit 222 is basically customized for each user to be used. Specifically, the printer driver storage unit 222 stores a plurality of customized print drivers, and the type of print driver that is activated differs depending on which user has logged in to the information terminal 200.

  Table 2 shows an example of driver information stored in the data storage unit 223.

  The driver information includes password information, user identification number, number of copies, output paper size, double-sided printing, paper type, aggregation, color / monochrome, resolution, toner save, supply as well as the print information described with reference to Table 1. Information corresponding to items of a paper tray and a paper discharge tray is included. That is, the driver information and the print information are basically information composed of the same items.

  In the state shown in Table 2, only print information having a user identification number described as “User_A” is stored.

  As will be described later, in the data storage unit 223, when the logged-in user activates the print driver, the stored content is updated so that a series of information corresponding to the user is added.

  Examples of the storage state after the update of the data storage unit 223 include those shown in Table 3.

  Table 3 shows storage states when three users having user identification numbers of Administrator, User_B, and User_C start the print driver in the information terminal 200 from the state shown in Table 2.

  The file storage unit 224 stores files created in the information terminal 200 and files received from other devices. The printer driver sends the file stored in the file storage unit 224 to the server apparatus 100 as a job with information related to printing (number of printed sheets, etc.).

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 300.
Referring to FIG. 4, an image forming apparatus 300 includes a CPU 301 that controls the entire apparatus, a RAM 303 that temporarily stores data, a 3OM 205 that stores programs and constants, a display 307 that displays information, and the like. An input device 309 that accepts input of information from the outside, a communication device 311 for performing information communication with other devices via the bus 400, and writing and reading information to and from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. It includes a media drive 313, a printer 315 that executes a printing operation, a scanner 317 that reads a document and generates image data, and a storage unit 220 that stores various information. The display 307 and the input device 309 can also be configured by a liquid crystal display and a touch panel placed thereon.

  The storage unit 320 stores an application storage unit 321 that stores application programs executed by the CPU 301, a program (print driver) for operating the printer 315, and a driver storage that stores a program (scanner driver) for operating the scanner 317. A unit 322, a data storage unit 323 for storing various data such as data used for an application, and a file for storing job information, which is information that causes the printer 315 to execute printing, and an image file generated by the scanner 317 A storage unit 324 is included.

  In the printing system according to the present embodiment, when a print driver is activated for printing a file in the information terminal 200, the CPU 201 transmits information (job information) necessary for printing the file to the server apparatus 100. Before the processing, information on the currently logged-in user in the driver information described with reference to Tables 2 and 3 and password information corresponding to the information are transmitted. In response to this, the server apparatus 100 makes various determinations regarding the received driver information, and executes processing based on the determination results.

  Hereinafter, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, the processing executed based on the activation of the print driver as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Each figure shows processing executed by the CPU 201 of the information terminal 200 and processing executed by the CPU 101 of the server device 100.

  First, when a print driver is activated in the information terminal 200 (step SA1), the CPU 201 transmits driver information corresponding to the user currently logged in to the server apparatus 100 in step SA2.

  In the server apparatus 100, the CPU 101 stores the received driver information in the RAM 103 for subsequent processing in step S1 in response to receiving the driver information.

  In step S <b> 2, the CPU 101 extracts password information from the driver information on the RAM 103, and determines whether the same password information as the extracted password information is stored in the print information in the data storage unit 122. To do. If it is determined that it is stored, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that it is not stored, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S <b> 6, the CPU 101 extracts the user identification number from the driver information on the RAM 103, and determines whether the extracted user identification number is stored in the print information in the data storage unit 122. If it is determined that it is stored, the process proceeds to step S7. If not, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S <b> 7, the CPU 101 transmits information (password information and restriction information) associated with the extracted user identification in the print information to the information terminal 200. In step S8, the print information is updated to end the process, and the process waits for the process by the information terminal 200.

  On the other hand, in the information terminal 200, in response to the CPU 101 of the server apparatus 100 transmitting the password information and the restriction information in step S7, the CPU 201 receives the information in step SA3 and advances the process to step SA11. .

  On the other hand, in step S9, the CPU 101 of the server apparatus 100 determines whether or not the password information having “standard restriction information” is set in the print information. If it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that it is not set, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S10, the CPU 101 transmits the setting content in which the standard restriction information is password information in the print information to the information processing terminal 100, and proceeds to step S15.

  In response to the transmission of information from the CPU 101 in step S10, the CPU 201 of the information terminal 200 performs a process of receiving it in step SA4, and then proceeds to step S11.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 15, the CPU 101 displays the print information, the password information and the restriction information are information corresponding to the standard restriction information, and the user identification number is information corresponding to the user who is currently logged into the information terminal 200. Is updated so that the information terminal 200 waits for processing.

  In step S11, the CPU 101 transmits information indicating that printing is rejected to the information terminal 200, and enters a standby state.

  In response to this, the CPU 201 of the information terminal 200 performs a process executed when printing is rejected in step SA5 and enters a standby state. Examples of the process executed when printing is rejected include a process of displaying a message to that effect on the display 207.

  In step S3, the CPU 101 extracts the user identification number from the driver information on the RAM 103, and determines that the extracted user identification number is stored in the print information in the data storage unit 122 in step S2. It is determined whether it is stored in association with the password information. If it is determined that the information is stored in association with each other, the process proceeds to step S4. If not, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S <b> 13, the CPU 101 performs processing for requesting the information terminal 200 to transmit restriction information.

  In response to this, in the information terminal 200, the CPU 201 receives this in step SA6, and determines in step SA7 whether or not the driver restriction information can be transmitted. If it is determined that it is possible, the process proceeds to step SA8. If it is determined that it is impossible, the process proceeds to step SA9. An example of a case where it is determined that transmission of driver restriction information is impossible is a case where the driver is not customized.

  In step SA8, the CPU 201 performs a process of transmitting restriction information to the server apparatus 100, and then proceeds to step SA12.

  In step S <b> 14, the CPU 101 receives the restriction information, defines new password information in the print information, stores the received restriction information in association with the user information, and waits for processing from the information processing apparatus 201. .

  In step SA9, information requesting transmission of standard restriction information is transmitted to the server apparatus 100.

  When this request is received, the CPU 101 of the server apparatus 100 executes the processes after step S9 described with reference to FIG.

  In step S4, the CPU 101 extracts restriction information from the driver information on the RAM 103, and the password information that is determined that the extracted restriction information is stored in the print information in the data storage unit 122 in step S2. It is determined whether it is stored in association with. If it is determined that the information is stored in association with each other, the process proceeds to step S5. If not, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the CPU 101 transmits restriction information associated with the password information determined to be stored in the print information in the data storage unit 122 in step S2 to the information terminal 200.

  In response to the transmission of the restriction information, the CPU 201 receives the restriction information in step SA10, and advances the process to step SA11.

  In step SA11, the CPU 201 updates the driver information to the information received from the server device 100, and when new restriction information about the user is received, updates it to add it, and the process proceeds to step SA12. Proceed.

  Table 4 shows driver information in which information about the user User_D is newly added to the driver information shown in Table 3.

  As understood from Table 4, the v1.00 version of the print driver is permitted for the user User_D. Note that the restriction information of this version of the print driver is the same as the restriction information of the standard restriction information. Unlike the print drivers corresponding to other users in Table 4, the print driver corresponding to the user User_D in Table 4 does not have the word “custom” at the end of the password information. This means that the print driver corresponding to this password information is not customized.

  In step S <b> 5, the CPU 101 sets that there is no restriction information regarding the user currently logged in to the information terminal 200, and notifies the information terminal 200 of the setting.

  In response to this notification, in step SA12, the CPU 201 accepts input of information to be selected for each item of restriction information, and proceeds to step SA13. In step SA13, job information is transmitted to the server apparatus 100 as described later. In other words, the notification of no change transmitted in step S5 permits the generation and transmission of job information at the information terminal by this notification.

  When input of information to be selected for each item of restriction information is accepted, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 is displayed on the display 207, and an operation on the screen is accepted, thereby Accept input. FIG. 10 shows a screen according to restriction information corresponding to password information v1.00-custom1, and FIG. 11 shows a screen according to restriction information corresponding to password information v1.00-custom2. In these screens, the password information is indicated as “driver version name”. Further, there are various differences between the screen shown in FIG. 10 and the screen shown in FIG. 11 due to the difference in the corresponding print drivers. For example, the screen shown in FIG. 10 is configured so that an arbitrary numerical value can be input for the number of copies, but the screen shown in FIG. 11 has either “1” or “2” as the number of copies. It is configured to select and enter a numerical value.

  In step SA13, job information is created based on the information received in step SA12, and the job information (print job) is transmitted to the server apparatus 100.

  In response to the transmission of the job information, in step S16, the CPU 101 receives the print job and performs processing for causing the image forming apparatus 300 to execute printing based on the print job (job information). .

  In the present embodiment described above, driver information is transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the server device 100 prior to transmission of job information. In the server device 100, when the driver information is received, the password information, the user identification number, and the restriction information are stored in association with the password information that is determined to be stored in the print information in the data storage unit 122. As a condition, the information terminal 200 is notified of predetermined information. Upon receiving such information notification, the information terminal 100 transmits job information to the server device 100.

  In the embodiment described above, the setting identification information is configured by password information set for each customized mode of the print driver.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, the processing described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 is started by executing the activation of the print driver in the information terminal 200, but the printing system of the present invention. The configuration is not limited to this. For example, the processing as described above may be executed on the information terminal 200 when the print driver is activated and an operation for instructing the start of printing is executed. When an operation for instructing the start of printing is performed, the job information is appropriately transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the server apparatus 100 after the processing described with reference to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment described above, the server apparatus 100 constitutes an information processing apparatus, the information terminal 200 constitutes an information terminal, and the image forming apparatus 300 constitutes a printer. Note that, among the processes shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the process executed by the CPU 101 of the server apparatus 100 may be executed by the CPU 301 by the image forming apparatus 300. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 300 constitutes an information processing apparatus.

  Each embodiment disclosed this time must be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of one Embodiment of the printing system of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the server apparatus of FIG. It is a control block diagram of the information processing terminal of FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart of processing executed based on activation of a print driver in the printing system of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart of processing executed based on activation of a print driver in the printing system of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart of processing executed based on activation of a print driver in the printing system of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart of processing executed based on activation of a print driver in the printing system of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart of processing executed based on activation of a print driver in the printing system of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display of the information processing terminal of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the screen displayed on the display of the information processing terminal of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  100 server device, 101, 201, 301 CPU, 103, 203, 303 RAM, 105, 205, 305 ROM, 107, 207, 307 display, 109, 209, 309 input device, 111, 211, 311 communication device, 113, 213, 313 Media drive, 120, 220, 320 storage unit, 121, 221, 321 Application storage unit, 122, 223, 323 Data storage unit, 123, 224, 324 File storage unit, 222 Printer driver storage unit, 322 Driver storage Part, 200 information processing terminal, 300 image forming apparatus.

Claims (18)

An information terminal for storing driver identification information, which is information for identifying a printer, a driver for creating job information for operating the printer, and accepting job information transmitted from the information terminal and accepted job information An information processing apparatus for causing the printer to perform a printing operation based on
The information terminal transmitting the driver identification information to the information processing apparatus prior to transmission of job information;
The information processing apparatus determining whether the driver identification information received from the information terminal is appropriate;
And a step of transmitting the job information to the information processing apparatus after the information terminal receives the result of determining that the transmitted driver identification information is appropriate. The information processing apparatus further includes storing driver identification information;
In the step of determining whether or not the driver identification information received from the information terminal is appropriate, the information processing apparatus stores the driver identification information received from the information terminal in the information processing apparatus. The printing system control method according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the driver identification information matches. The information processing apparatus storing a restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information;
When the information processing apparatus determines that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is not appropriate, the information terminal is associated with the appropriate driver identification information and the appropriate driver identification information. The method for controlling a printing system according to claim 2, further comprising a step of transmitting the stored restriction content. The information processing apparatus further includes storing the driver identification information in association with user information;
In the step of determining whether or not the driver identification information received from the information terminal is appropriate, the information processing apparatus transmits the driver identification information received from the information terminal to the information processing apparatus. The printing system control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the information is stored in association with user information of the user who has performed. The information processing apparatus storing a restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information;
The information terminal storing the restriction content;
The information terminal transmitting the restriction content together with the driver identification information;
When the information processing apparatus determines that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is not stored in association with the user information that has transmitted the information in the information processing apparatus, the received driver identification The printing system control method according to claim 4, further comprising a step of updating the stored content so that the information is associated with the user information that has transmitted the information and the restriction content that has been transmitted together with the information. The information processing apparatus stores the driver identification information in association with the restriction content related to printing;
The information terminal storing the restriction content;
The information terminal transmitting the restriction content together with the driver identification information;
When the information processing apparatus determines that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is stored in association with the user information that has transmitted the information in the information processing apparatus, from the information terminal If it is determined that the received restriction content is not stored in association with the driver identification information transmitted together with it, the information is stored in the information terminal in association with the driver identification information received from the information terminal. The printing system control method according to claim 4, further comprising: transmitting the restriction content.   The printing system control method according to claim 1, wherein the printing system includes an image forming apparatus including the information processing apparatus and the printer. Accepting and accepting job information transmitted from the information terminal connected to an information terminal that stores driver identification information that is information for identifying a printer and a driver that creates job information for operating the printer An information processing apparatus for causing the printer to perform a printing operation based on information,
A determination unit that determines whether the driver identification information transmitted by the information terminal prior to transmission of job information is appropriate;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a permission notifying unit that grants permission to issue a job to the information terminal on the condition that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is determined to be appropriate. A storage unit for storing the driver identification information;
The print control determines whether or not the driver identification information is appropriate based on whether or not the driver identification information received from the information terminal matches the driver identification information stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determination is performed. The storage unit stores restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information;
When the determination unit determines that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is not appropriate, the information terminal stores information associated with the appropriate driver identification information and the appropriate driver identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a first transmission unit that transmits the restricted content. The storage unit stores user information in association with the driver identification information,
11. The determination unit according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines whether the driver identification information received from the information terminal is stored in association with user information of a user who has transmitted the information in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The storage unit
Storing the restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information;
When the determination unit determines that the driver identification information received from the information terminal in the storage unit is not stored in association with the user information that has transmitted the driver identification information, the received driver identification information includes: The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the storage content of the storage unit is updated so that the user information that has transmitted the user information can be associated with the restriction content that has been transmitted together with the user information. The storage unit stores restriction content related to printing in association with the driver identification information;
The determination unit further determines whether or not the driver identification information received from the information terminal and the restriction content transmitted together with the storage unit are stored in association with each other in the storage unit,
In the case where the determination unit determines that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is stored in association with the user information that has transmitted the information in the storage unit, and further from the information terminal When it is determined that the received restriction content is not stored in association with the driver identification information transmitted together with the restriction content, the storage is performed in association with the driver identification information received from the information terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a second transmission unit that transmits the restriction content stored in the unit. An information terminal that transmits the job information to an information processing apparatus in order to cause the printer to execute printing based on the job information,
A storage unit that stores driver identification information that is information for identifying a driver that creates job information for operating the printer;
Prior to transmission of job information, a transmission unit that transmits the driver identification information stored in the storage unit to the information processing device;
A receiving unit that receives a notification from the information processing apparatus that the driver identification information transmitted by the transmitting unit is appropriate;
An information terminal comprising: a job transmission unit that transmits job information to the information processing apparatus after receiving the notification by the reception unit. The storage unit further stores user identification information that is information for identifying a user,
The information terminal according to claim 14, wherein the transmission unit transmits the user identification information together with the driver identification information to the information origin Y separation apparatus. The storage unit further stores restriction content related to printing,
A receiving unit that receives the restriction content transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
The information terminal according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: an update unit that updates the restriction content stored in the storage unit to the restriction content received by the reception unit. Accepting and accepting job information transmitted from the information terminal connected to an information terminal that stores driver identification information that is information for identifying a printer and a driver that creates job information for operating the printer A control program for an information processing apparatus that causes the printer to perform a printing operation based on information,
In the information processing apparatus,
Determining whether the driver identification information transmitted by the information terminal prior to transmission of job information is appropriate;
A control program for an information processing apparatus that executes a step of granting permission to issue a job to the information terminal on the condition that the driver identification information received from the information terminal is determined to be appropriate. A control program for an information terminal that transmits the job information to an information processing apparatus in order to cause a printer to perform printing based on job information,
In the information terminal,
Storing driver identification information that is information for identifying a driver that creates job information for operating the printer;
Prior to transmitting job information, transmitting the driver identification information to the information processing apparatus;
Receiving a notification from the information processing apparatus that the transmitted driver identification information is appropriate;
A control program for an information terminal that executes a step of transmitting job information to the information processing apparatus after receiving the notification.

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